A ‘To Do’ list for making your will

Deciding to make your will might be one of the best things you ever do. But where do you start? This short guide to making your will provides you with a ‘To Do’ list to help you prepare for drawing up your will. List Your Assets Before creating your will, you must consider what makes … Read more

Devil in the detail with new identity checks for directors 

Company directors are being urged to prepare for a major change, as Companies House introduces new identity checks for those setting up, running or owning UK businesses. The new identity verification requirements, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are being rolled out in stages and will soon become compulsory.  Companies are … Read more

Can you make your will on WhatsApp?

Making a will is one of the most important things anyone can do. In England and Wales, the law surrounding making a valid will is contained in the Wills Act 1837. WhatsApp wasn’t even a digital dream in its designer’s eye when the Wills Act came into force! This article will seek to answer whether … Read more

Strategic lifetime gifting and how to minimise your IHT liability during your lifetime.

The Autumn Budget 2024 introduced some unexpected provisions regarding Inheritance Tax (IHT) that have wide-ranging implications for those whose estates are likely to be subject to IHT following their death. Inheritance Tax is payable on an estate with a net value of more than £325,000. Any estate above that figure is charged at a flat … Read more

Preparation of a business Lasting Power of Attorney – considering the advantages, need and practical examples

We are all familiar with lasting Powers of Attorney, which allows individuals to appoint an attorney to manage their personal affairs if they cannot do so themselves. A business lasting power of attorney operates on the same basis. It is a document that appoints an attorney to deal with your business affairs and make decisions … Read more

Chancellor’s certain statement for uncertain times

Chancellor’s Spring Statement signals opportunities for defence, construction, and tech sectors Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a confident Spring Statement, aiming to instil certainty at home amid growing global uncertainty, highlighting opportunities for businesses — particularly in construction, defence, and tech — to benefit from the government’s growth plans. Setting out strategies designed to boost defence … Read more

How to negotiate a commercial lease

There are always tensions between landlord and tenant when negotiating a commercial lease. That is why it is important to understand the key points to negotiate in the commercial lease. You should also seek legal advice from a commercial property solicitor. When you engage a commercial property solicitor, they will explain the key points in … Read more

Legal Expenses Insurance – a definition

Legal expenses insurance is insurance cover you can purchase to insure against potential future legal costs. It is also possible to purchase legal expenses insurance in certain circumstances to cover costs of proceedings relating to an event that has already occurred. What does legal expenses insurance cover? Legal expenses insurance covers the cost of legal … Read more

Carers: a definition

The debate surrounding carers rumbles on with what seems like an ever-expanding army of people looking after those who are not capable of looking after themselves, facing both financial and life challenges. Some look after others on a part-time basis, others on an almost full-time basis. Age is not a barrier to being a carer. … Read more

How to avoid making mincemeat of estate planning

A will that was hand-written on the back of two cardboard food packages has been confirmed as legally binding by the High Court. In an unusual twist, Malcolm Chenery used a Young’s frozen fish box and a Mr Kipling mince pie box to set out his wishes, leaving his £180,000 estate — including a three-bedroom … Read more